Incoming

The Unswept, whose official bio describes them as native Brits who moved to Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood a number of years back, have a gig at Montrose Saloon tomorrow night. They offer catchy pop music with clever lyrics, along with a stage presence that sports a British sense of humor. The Unswept’s songwriting approach has evolved over the years, with the 2022 Fast Casual being their most adventurous album yet. In addition to impressive originals such as “Please Don’t Waste My Time” and “Got Lucky,” they also do a superb job covering The Smithereens and Marshall Crenshaw. Montrose Saloon is located at 2933 W. Montrose on Chicago’s north side.

The Regrettes will perform their last ever show this Thursday night at The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles. A post on their social media sites explained it’s a friendly decision that will allow the members to pursue other projects. Still, it’s sad to bid farewell to a band that so masterfully combined the 1960s girl group sound with hard-edged punk, after only a few albums. The Regrettes visited Chicago a few times, including an outdoor gig last summer. Best wishes to lead vocalist-rhythm guitarist Lydia Night and the other band members for successful new beginnings in 2024. 

Michael McDermott’s Mischief and Mistletoe show takes place this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at City Winery Chicago. That sure sounds like a holiday event, but maybe he’ll work in a few songs from his latest album St. Paul’s Boulevard as well. Show time is 8:00 pm for each evening

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The EXPO ’76 Big XMAS Bash takes place this Friday night at FitzGerald’s Nightclub in Berwyn. Tickets are $20.00 in advance, and reserved tables are available. These Chicago music scene veterans have a unlimited repertoire, so you can imagine what a Santa’s bag of fun they’ll unpack at a holiday show. Guests are encouraged to don their ugliest Xmas sweaters for a chance to nab first place in a contest. The merriment starts at 8:30 pm.

Singer-guitarist Michael Cohen will return to Tuscan Market in Arlington Heights this Friday and perform holiday classics and Great American Songbook Standards with special guest Edward Hasse helping out on bass. Show time is 7:00 pm.

Congratulations to the Famous In The Future comedy group on selling out all three performances of its holiday musical comedy A Judy Christmas at The Den Theatre this past weekend.